LapDogs Unleashed: China-Linked Cyber Espionage Targets Everyday Devices Worldwide

Cybersecurity experts at SecurityScorecard have uncovered LapDogs, a sophisticated cyber espionage operation. This stealthy campaign exploits everyday devices like SOHO routers and IoT gadgets for long-term surveillance, focusing on targets in the United States, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. It’s a cunning plot with more bite than bark!

Pro Dashboard

Hot Take:

Who let the LapDogs out? This cyber espionage operation is barking up the wrong trees! With thousands of devices compromised, the LapDogs campaign is the hottest snoop fest since Scooby-Doo went digital. It’s a classic case of “ruff” justice for unsuspecting gadgets caught in the crossfire. Time to fetch some firmware updates, folks!

Key Points:

  • LapDogs is a cyber espionage operation allegedly from China, targeting devices worldwide since September 2023.
  • The campaign exploits SOHO routers and IoT devices as Operational Relay Boxes (ORBs) to conceal its activities.
  • ShortLeash, a custom backdoor tool, aids in stealthy control and data theft across networks.
  • Fake TLS certificates, masquerading as LAPD, add legitimacy to their operations.
  • IT sectors, ISPs, and media companies are among the primary targets, necessitating urgent security patches.

Membership Required

 You must be a member to access this content.

View Membership Levels
Already a member? Log in here
The Nimble Nerd
Confessional Booth of Our Digital Sins

Okay, deep breath, let's get this over with. In the grand act of digital self-sabotage, we've littered this site with cookies. Yep, we did that. Why? So your highness can have a 'premium' experience or whatever. These traitorous cookies hide in your browser, eagerly waiting to welcome you back like a guilty dog that's just chewed your favorite shoe. And, if that's not enough, they also tattle on which parts of our sad little corner of the web you obsess over. Feels dirty, doesn't it?